Rifguard 550 Tablet

By Rifguard

Rx

15 Tablet in a Strip

Composition icon

Composition

Rifaximin(550mg)

Manufacturer - Hetero Healthcare Limited icon

Manufacturer - Hetero Healthcare Limited

S.no: 80-84, Melange towers, PatrikaNagar,Madhapur,Hyderabad. Telangana-500081.

Expires on or after icon

Expires on or after

April, 2026

About Rifguard 550 Tablet

Rifguard 550 Tablet is an antibiotic that is utilized to treat various conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy, infectious diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Hepatic encephalopathy occurs when the liver is unable to eliminate harmful toxins from the blood, resulting in brain damage. The tablet contains Rifaximin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that works by eradicating harmful bacteria in the intestines, thus helping to alleviate symptoms.

This medication can be taken alone or in combination with other medicines and is typically recommended to be taken daily at the same time. It is essential to follow the doctor's prescribed dosage and duration of treatment to effectively combat the infection. Abruptly stopping the medication may lead to the return of the infection, making it harder to treat.

Some individuals may experience side effects while taking Rifguard 550 Tablet, such as vomiting, headache, dizziness, nausea, rashes, joint pain, and depression. These side effects are usually temporary and diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. It is advised to consult a doctor if these side effects persist or become bothersome. Additionally, it is normal for the urine to appear reddish while taking this medication.

Before commencing treatment with Rifguard 550 Tablet, it is crucial to inform the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any existing liver, kidney, or heart conditions. Furthermore, disclosure of any allergies to medications is important for safe usage. If diarrhea persists even after the completion of the treatment, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Rifguard 550 Tablet, containing Rifaximin, belongs to the category of antibiotics and is specifically designed for adults with liver disorders to reduce the recurrence of episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. This condition arises due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood caused by liver damage. In addition to hepatic encephalopathy, the tablet is also used to manage irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal issue characterized by altered bowel habits and stomach discomfort.

Individuals taking Rifguard 550 Tablet may experience side effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, shortness of breath, stomach pain, and more. It is essential to contact a healthcare provider if any of these side effects worsen. Furthermore, it is crucial to inform the doctor about any existing liver problems or pregnancy before consuming the medication to prevent any potential complications.

In summary, Rifguard 550 Tablet is a valuable antibiotic treatment option for individuals suffering from conditions like hepatic encephalopathy, infectious diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. Following the prescribed dosages and informing the healthcare provider about any pre-existing health conditions or allergies is imperative to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.


Benefits

Rifguard 550 Tablet offers multiple benefits in different health conditions. In the treatment of Hepatic encephalopathy, a serious liver disease that affects brain function, this medication plays a crucial role. Individuals suffering from hepatic encephalopathy may experience symptoms like confusion, tremors, sleep disturbances, and even loss of consciousness. By reducing the levels of ammonia-producing bacteria in the blood, Rifguard 550 Tablet can improve brain function and alleviate symptoms associated with this condition. When taken as directed, this medicine helps in managing agitation, confusion, muscle issues, speech difficulties, and prevents the progression to a coma.


Furthermore, Rifguard 550 Tablet is also effective in the treatment of Infectious diarrhea. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of loose and watery stools due to harmful microorganisms in the digestive system. By targeting and inhibiting the growth of these harmful bacteria in the intestines, this medication helps to combat infectious diarrhea effectively. The active ingredients in the tablet disrupt the bacteria's ability to produce essential proteins required for their survival and reproduction, thereby aiding in the elimination of the bad bacteria causing the infection. Ultimately, this process leads to a reduction in diarrhea symptoms and an overall improvement in the individual's well-being.


In conclusion, Rifguard 550 Tablet is a versatile medication that provides significant relief in conditions such as hepatic encephalopathy and infectious diarrhea by targeting the root causes of these ailments and aiding in symptom management. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and regimen to experience the full benefits of this medication for optimal health outcomes.


How to use the Rifguard 550 Tablet

To properly use Rifguard 550 Tablet, you should follow the instructions given to you by your doctor. Take the tablet in the dose and for the duration prescribed by your doctor. It is important to swallow the tablet whole and not chew, crush, or break it. You can take Rifguard 550 Tablet with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time every day to help maintain consistent levels of the medication in your body. Following these guidelines will help ensure that you get the most benefit from Rifguard 550 Tablet.


Uses of Rifguard 550 Tablet

Rifguard 550 Tablet is commonly used in the treatment of two specific medical conditions: hepatic encephalopathy and infectious diarrhea. For patients suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, a serious condition where the liver is unable to effectively filter toxins from the blood, Rifguard 550 Tablet can help manage the symptoms and improve the patient's overall condition. Similarly, for individuals experiencing infectious diarrhea, which is often caused by bacterial or viral infections in the gastrointestinal tract, Rifguard 550 Tablet is effective in providing relief and aiding in recovery. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by a healthcare professional when using Rifguard 550 Tablet for either of these conditions to ensure proper treatment and optimal results.


What conditions Rifguard 550 Tablet treats?

Rifguard 550 Tablet is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a liver disease that causes brain function changes such as confusion and tremors. It can also help with infectious diarrhea, a condition with sudden loose stools due to harmful bacteria in the intestines. By targeting and stopping the growth of harmful bacteria, this medicine can improve brain function in hepatic encephalopathy and reduce diarrhea symptoms. Be sure to take it as directed by your doctor to benefit the most from the treatment. Side effects are usually temporary and should be discussed with your doctor if they persist.


Should you consult a doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience severe side effects like persistent vomiting, severe headache, prolonged dizziness, continuous nausea, worsening rashes, or persistent joint pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of depression that do not improve, or if you have dark-colored urine. Additionally, if you have any allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek urgent medical help. It is important to consult your healthcare provider before starting Rifguard 550 Tablet if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health issues such as liver, kidney, or heart problems, or if you have known allergies to medications. Regular check-ins with your doctor will ensure the safe and effective use of this medication.


Side effects of Rifguard 550 Tablet

When taking Rifguard 550 Tablet, some common side effects may occur. These include dizziness, nausea, peripheral edema (swelling in the legs and arms), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), fatigue, depression, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), joint pain, rash, and muscle pain. Most of these side effects are usually mild and tend to improve as your body gets used to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or cause concern, it is important to consult your doctor for further guidance.


Safety advice

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liver

When using Rifguard 550 Tablet, it is important to be cautious if you have severe liver disease. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage of Rifguard 550 Tablet in such cases. It is always best to consult your doctor for proper guidance regarding the use of this medication in relation to any liver issues.

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kidney

Rifguard 550 Tablet appears safe for patients with kidney disease; data indicates no need for dose adjustment. Consult your doctor for guidance.

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alcohol

"Consult your doctor when consuming alcohol with Rifguard 550 Tablet."

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driving

When taking Rifguard 550 Tablet, it generally does not impact your driving abilities.

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pregnancy

Rifguard 550 Tablet may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Limited studies in humans suggest potential harm to the developing baby based on animal studies. Your doctor will assess the benefits and risks before prescribing. Kindly consult your doctor.

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breastfeeding

Rifguard 550 Tablet is likely safe during breastfeeding, based on limited data showing no significant risk to the baby.


Consumption warning before consuming Rifguard 550 Tablet

Before taking Rifguard 550 Tablet, it is important to note that this medication is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy and infectious diarrhea by eliminating harmful bacteria in the intestines. It can be taken alone or along with other medications, with or without food, at the same time each day. To ensure effectiveness, follow the prescribed dosage and duration advised by your doctor. Continuously taking the medication is crucial as stopping early may result in the infection returning and being harder to treat.


Some temporary side effects like vomiting, headache, dizziness, nausea, rashes, joint pain, and depression may occur but usually resolve as the body adjusts. If these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor. Expect your urine to turn reddish, which is a normal and harmless occurrence while on this medication. Inform your doctor before starting Rifguard 550 Tablet if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver, kidney, or heart conditions, or are allergic to any medications.


What if you forgot to take Rifguard 550 Tablet?

If you forget to take a dose of Rifguard 550 Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and stick to your usual schedule. It's important not to take a double dose to make up for the missed one. This helps maintain the proper balance of medication in your body and reduces the risk of potential side effects.


Related lab tests

In order to monitor the effects of Rifguard 550 Tablet on your body, your healthcare provider may recommend certain lab tests to be done. These tests can help assess the impact of the medication and ensure overall health. The related lab tests for Rifguard 550 Tablet may include Ammonia test, which measures the levels of ammonia in the blood to check liver function; a Culture Stool test, which detects any abnormal bacteria or parasites in the digestive system; Liver Function Test, which evaluates the overall health of the liver; Potassium and Sodium tests, which measure the levels of these electrolytes in the blood for proper nerve and muscle function; and Stool Examination R/M test, which analyzes stool samples for any signs of infection or digestive issues. These lab tests are important to monitor and manage your health while taking Rifguard 550 Tablet.


Additional Information

Habit FormingNo
Chemical ClassRifamycin derivatives
Therapeutic ClassGASTRO INTESTINAL
Action ClassRNA polymerase inhibitors- Rifamycins

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

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Dr. Mansi Chaudhari

MBBS - General Medicine

Last update on 01-Oct-2024